Meghalaya CM Champions Women's Reservation Amid Delimitation Debate

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma endorses the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, emphasizing the urgent need for delimitation. Addressing concerns in Shillong, he highlighted the necessity for women's reservation and electoral boundary adjustments to proceed collaboratively, amidst ongoing parliamentary debates and opposition apprehensions.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has thrown his support behind the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as well as the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, underscoring the pressing requirement for delimitation adjustments. Speaking at a press briefing in Shillong, Sangma insisted that securing reservations for women in Lok Sabha should align with electoral boundary reform.

The Chief Minister remarked, 'Delimitation is the need of the hour. It must be done.' He indicated that upon the Women's Reservation Bill's passage, efforts would focus on implementing its provisions effectively alongside necessary delimitation measures. Currently, Meghalaya holds two of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha.

The issue emerges amidst a contentious Lok Sabha debate over the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, and related legislation regarding seat allocation. Opposition MPs have voiced concerns, arguing that the proposed changes could undermine southern states' representation. However, Union Minister Amit Shah has pledged that southern regions would maintain their representation proportionally despite delimitation impacts.

(With inputs from agencies.)